CT firefighters gear up for Two Oceans 21km run in bid to raise funds for VWS
This is to raise funds and shine a spotlight on the work done by the Volunteer Wildfire Services, an NGO relying on public and corporate donations to cover essential operating costs.
FILE: City of Cape Town firefighters, Jermaine Carelse and Renaldo Duncan (left), cross the finish line after completing the Two Oceans 21km run in full gear. Picture: @CityofCT/X
CAPE TOWN - Cape Town firefighters are lacing up to tackle the Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon while dressed in their firefighting gear and self-containing breathing apparatus which weigh an additional 10 kilograms.
This is to raise funds and shine a spotlight on the work done by the Volunteer Wildfire Services, an NGO relying on public and corporate donations to cover essential operating costs.
What started as a light-hearted challenge in 2017, has become an annual run and this year, City of Cape Town firefighters, Jermaine Carelse and Renaldo Duncan, will not only be joined by VWS volunteer firefighters, Liam Gannon and Thomas Lennon but former Springbok hooker, James Dalton, as well.
The 21.1 kilometre run is set to take place on Sunday, 6 April and Carelse is appealing for support.
"VWS comprises of volunteers, people that do everything we do but without remuneration. We could not do what we do without their unwavering support, so this decision to asssist them in their time of need was easy. We hope the public in turn will show their appreciation by supporting our cause and helping us to raise the money they need."
Carelse said that any donation, big or small, was welcome.
"Keeping Cape Town and its residents safe requires several factors over and above the human resources. We need the right protective gear, equipment and vehicles to enusre tha our efforts are bolstered. Then, there's also vehicle maintenance and fuel. All of these things cost money and even a small contribution towards VWS can go a long way."